The UK announced tough measures against a threat it claims originates from the Middle East. The government blamed the Iran-linked Islamic Movement (IMCR) for seven antisemitic arson attacks on synagogues and Jewish community centres in the country. Following this, it was decided to ban the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the powerful military wing of the Tehran administration, and to introduce new criminal measures against sabotage.
According to British officials, the attacks carried out by the group IMCR this year include setting fire to four Jewish charity ambulances in London's Golders Green area. No lives were lost in the attacks. The government alleged that members of the IRGC's elite Quds Force directed the group's operations in Europe. It was stated that the same group also claimed responsibility for attacks on synagogues in Belgium and the Netherlands.
Law introducing life imprisonment
Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the measures under the National Security (State Threats) Act 2026, which is expected to be approved by parliament this week. Starmer said, 'We will never allow the UK's streets to be a playground for states that want to spread fear, division and violence.' The new law introduces life imprisonment for those who carry out sabotage, including arson, on behalf of the IRGC, IMCR or Russia's GRU Volunteer Corps. Supporting or assisting these groups could be punished with up to 14 years in prison.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said, 'Iran and Russia are using proxies and thugs to do their dirty work on our shores.' Mahmood stated that the three groups in question have been swiftly added to the terror list and that those working on their behalf will be caught and imprisoned.
Russia-linked group also banned
The UK also banned the GRU Volunteer Corps, linked to Russian military intelligence, under the same regulation. It was alleged that this group recruits individuals online for sabotage, arson and other hostile operations.
It was reported that the British intelligence service MI5 detected at least 20 potentially lethal Iran-linked plots targeting individuals in the country over the past year. The government has so far sanctioned more than 550 Iran-linked individuals and entities and allocated a £250 million fund over three years for the security of the Jewish community.
Past attack and silence from Iran
These tough measures came a few weeks after two Romanian men were jailed for stabbing a journalist from a Persian-language television channel in London. The British judge ruled that attack was also carried out on behalf of the Iranian state. The Iranian government has not yet officially responded to the UK's new statements.
